National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin

Summary

Since 2015, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has used this Bulletin to highlight the continuing threat from homegrown terrorists, many of whom are inspired online to violence by foreign terrorist organizations. The United States is engaged in a generational fight against terrorists, who seek to attack the American people, our country, and our way of life. An informed, vigilant, and engaged public remains one of our greatest assets to identify potential homegrown terrorists and prevent attacks.

Duration

Issued: May 15, 2017Expires: November 09, 2017

Details

We face one of the most serious terror threat environments since the 9/11 attacks as foreign terrorist organizations continue to exploit the Internet to inspire, enable, or direct individuals already here in the homeland to commit terrorist acts.

Homegrown terror suspects are increasingly relying on technology, such as end-to-end encrypted social media applications, to avoid detection. Moreover, terrorist groups are urging recruits to adopt easy-to-use tools to target public places and events. Specific attack tactics have included the use of vehicle ramming, small arms, straight-edged blades or knives, and homemade explosives, as well as other acts such as taking hostages.

As the United States steps up efforts to disrupt and defeat terrorist groups overseas, we will continue to face a multi-faceted threat environment.

Specifically, continued successes aimed at disrupting and defeating terrorist groups overseas may encourage homegrown terrorists inside the United States to carry out acts of violence.

Additionally, foreign terrorist fighters, who have acquired training and battle-tested terrorism experience, are likely to flee from terrorist-controlled territories with a desire to conduct attacks elsewhere, including the United States. Some of these individuals may be U.S. citizens or citizens of other nations attempting to travel to the United States on visas, from visa-waiver countries, with the aim of attacking the homeland or inciting others within our borders to conduct attacks.

U.S. Government Counterterrorism Efforts

DHS and the FBI continue to provide guidance to state, local, tribal and territorial partners related to the current threat environment. DHS also partners closely with the private sector to provide risk assessments and coordinate security measures with business owners and operators. The public may continue to observe law enforcement and security activity in and around public places and events.

DHS is taking steps to address the threat from foreign terrorist fighters who have traveled or attempt to travel to the United States, including working closely with the FBI and Intelligence partners to identify U.S. persons who left the country to join terrorist groups, as well as putting in place enhanced screening and vetting measures to detect travelers with potential terrorist connections.

More broadly, we remain committed to preventing violence and threats meant to intimidate or coerce specific populations on the basis of their religion, ethnicity, or identity, and we will seek justice against the perpetrators of such acts.

Types of Advisories

Bulletin

Describes current developments or general trends regarding threats of terrorism.

Elevated Alert

Warns of a credible terrorism threat against the United States.

Imminent Alert

Warns of a credible, specific and impending terrorism threat against the United States.

How You Can Help

Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement who are best to offer specific details on terroristic indicators.

Suspicious activity or information about a threat may also be reported to Fusion Centers and the FBI’s Field Offices - part of the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative. DHS and FBI are especially interested in unusual foreign travel to known terrorist locations.

Stay Informed

The U.S. Government will provide additional information about any emerging threat as additional information is identified. The public is encouraged to listen to local law enforcement and public safety officials.

We urge Americans to continue to travel, attend public events, and freely associate with others but remain vigilant and aware of surroundings.

If You See Something, Say Something™. Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or call 911.

The National Terrorism Advisory System provides Americans with alert information on homeland security threats. It is distributed by the Department of Homeland Security. More information is available at: www.dhs.gov/advisories. To receive mobile updates: twitter.com/dhsgov

If You See Something Say Something™ used with permission of the NY Metropolitan Transportation Authority.